Early voters set records in some locations

Receive the latest politics updates in your inbox

Texas turned out in high numbers across the state on the first day of early voting, setting records in some places.

The Texas Secretary of State's office reported Tuesday that more than 378,000 people cast early ballots in the state's 15 most populous counties, either by mail or in person. That's about 4.6 percent of the registered voters in those counties.

More than 32,000 cast early ballots in Dallas County and another 30,000 were cast in Tarrant County. In Denton County, 12,000 showed up for early voting. Just before 5 p.m. Tuesday, Collin County had more than 17,000 turn out for early voting.

Voters in Harris County set a new record. Chief Election Officer Stan Stuart said 47,000 people cast their ballots on the first day compared to 39,000 in 2008.

Early voting lasts until Nov. 2. Officials expect more than half of Texans will cast their ballots before election day on Nov. 6.

Unlike on election day, voters may cast their ballots at any polling station within their home county.